AI and government

### Assignment: Critical Essay — AI and the Military **Course:** **Student Name:** **Due Date:** --- ## Objective Artificial Intelligence is increasingly used in military systems for surveillance, logistics, cybersecurity, and autonomous weapons. This assignment asks you to critically examine the role of AI in military contexts and reflect on its ethical, technological, and societal implications. --- ## Essay Prompt Write a **short critical essay (600–800 words)** addressing the following question: > **Should artificial intelligence play a significant role in military decision-making and warfare?** Your essay should consider **both potential benefits and risks**. Possible issues to discuss include: * Autonomous weapons and human control * Ethical responsibility and accountability * Speed and efficiency of AI decision-making * Risk of escalation or unintended consequences * The balance between technological advantage and humanitarian concerns You do **not** need to reach a single “correct” answer. The goal is thoughtful analysis. --- ## Use of AI Tools AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) **may be used for brainstorming or gathering perspectives**, but **must not be used to generate the essay itself**. To ensure responsible use: 1. Your essay should reflect **your own reasoning and voice**. 2. Include a **short disclosure (2–3 sentences)** at the end describing whether and how you used AI tools. 3. You should be able to **explain and defend the ideas in your essay during class discussion**. If the essay appears to be largely AI-generated or the student cannot explain the content, it will not receive credit. --- ## Submission Requirements * Length: **600–800 words** * Format: **typed, double-spaced** * Include **at least one reference** (article, report, or book) if you cite external information. --- ## Evaluation Criteria | Criterion | Points | | ---------------------------------------- | ------ | | Clear argument or position | 30 | | Depth of reasoning and critical thinking | 30 | | Use of examples or evidence | 20 | | Organization and clarity | 10 | | AI disclosure statement | 10 | **Total: 100 points** --- ## Final Reflection At the end of the essay, include a short paragraph answering: > *What surprised you most when thinking about the role of AI in warfare?*